CANBERRA, Australia—Beginning today, the essential nutrient iodine will be added to bread, through the addition of iodized salt, in Australia to help address the re-emergence of iodine deficiency across most of the population.
“Iodine is essential for the healthy function of the thyroid gland to help it produce hormones that regulate metabolism, including the regulation of body temperature,” says Dr. Paul Brent, Chief Scientist for Food Standards Australia New Zealand. “Most people need only a small amount a day but we need iodine regularly because we cannot store large amounts in the body. Iodine is particularly important for the normal development of a baby’s brain and nervous system, especially during pregnancy and in the first 2-3 years of life. Not having enough iodine during pregnancy and early childhood can cause developmental delay and lead to reductions in mental performance. This damage prior to 2-3 years of age is irreversible.”